Andy O’Brien hopes to return from a lengthy hamstring injury this weekend against the San Jose Earthquakes. Whether that happens or not, he’s certain to return next season.

O’Brien has agreed to a one-year contract extension, the Whitecaps announced Thursday morning. The 34-year-old Yorkshireman is earning $242,250 this season, according to the MLS Players Union. No details of his new deal were disclosed.

The veteran of more than 300 games in the English Premier League, including a long stint at Newcastle United, has been a key player for Martin Rennie’s club when healthy.

He’s been out of action since June 8 at Seattle, a 2-1 lead that turned into a 3-2 loss once O’Brien left with a hamstring injury that’s taken longer than he expected to heal.

The former Ireland international said this week that he’s feeling ready to return.

“It’s good to be back with the lads and I’ve had no issues whatsoever,” O’Brien said Monday. “I’m not holding back now because all the pain’s gone and I’m not restricted in any way.”

“Andy has been an important member of the club both on and off the pitch since joining the ‘Caps last summer,” Rennie said in a statement. “I am very pleased that we have locked up Andy for another year.”

The Caps signed O’Brien at the end of last year’s transfer deadline after a stint with Leeds United and a now-public battle with depression.

It took some last-minute convincing from Rennie to get O’Brien to Vancouver but the big centre back is thankful he came.

“I am extremely happy to sign a contract extension,” O’Brien said in a statement. “I am enjoying my time in Vancouver and being a member of Whitecaps FC.”

Jay DeMerit, 33, is also coming to the end of his contract, one that paid him $375,000 this year, according to the MLS Players Union. The Caps’ captain is close to returning from a torn Achilles, which he suffered minutes into the team’s season opener against Toronto.

The Caps other centre backs are relatively young. Honduran international Johnny Leveron, 23, is a big part of the club’s future, while Brad Rusin, 26, and Carlyle Mitchell, 25, have battled for minutes in O’Brien and DeMerit’s absence.

Rusin suffered an ankle injury at Portland on Saturday and appears lost for several weeks. Rennie will have O’Brien, Mitchell and Leveron to choose from this weekend.

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